**Ben Crump Tops Black News Makers List Ahead of Obama in 21st Century**
Key Takeaways:
- Ben Crump named the top Black newsmaker of the 21st century by NNPA Newswire
- Crump’s legal work outpaced global figures, including Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey
- Recent $779.3M verdict underscores his continued influence in justice reform
Washington, D.C. — Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is trending after being named the most-featured Black newsmaker in American media over the first 25 years of the 21st century, according to a new report released this week by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). The ranking, confirmed within the last 48 hours, places Crump at the top of a prestigious list that includes figures such as Barack Obama, Serena Williams, and Oprah Winfrey.
Crump Surpasses President Obama in Headlines over 25 Years
The NNPA’s exhaustive media review—spanning two decades of print and digital headlines from over 200 Black-owned publications with a reach of 20 million weekly readers—found that Benjamin Lloyd Crump appeared in more major national news stories than any other Black individual between 2000 and 2026. In doing so, Crump surpassed former President Barack Obama, who dominated coverage from 2008 to 2016 during his presidency.
“Every time my name appears, it means we’re facing a constitutional crisis, winning a landmark case, or representing a family who is dealing with unimaginable loss,” Crump said in a prepared statement. “The attention is not about me. It is about forcing America to confront what it too often wants to ignore.”
The list released by NNPA includes an array of influential Black Americans across politics, media, sports, and entertainment, such as LeBron James, Kamala Harris, Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Michelle Obama. Despite the high-profile competition, Crump’s recurring presence reflects not celebrity or office, but urgent legal battles and calls for systemic change.
Trayvon Martin to George Floyd: A Legal Career Built on National Reckonings
Ben Crump’s national visibility began in 2012 with the Trayvon Martin case, which sparked a nationwide conversation on racial profiling and gun violence. Since then, Crump has represented families in a string of high-profile cases that have become critical moments in America’s ongoing confrontation with racial injustice:
- George Floyd (2020) – Represented the family leading up to a record $27 million settlement.
- Breonna Taylor (2020) – Secured a $12 million wrongful death settlement.
- Michael Brown (2014) – Helped bring global attention to police-involved shootings.
- Flint Water Crisis (2016) – Part of the $641 million settlement for affected children.
- Henrietta Lacks’ heirs (2023) – Won prominence in claims for medical racism reparations.
In one of his most recent victories last month, Crump secured a $779.3 million verdict for the family of Lewis Butler, a Black security guard killed during an armed robbery in Florida. The case centered on negligent security, making it one of the largest wrongful death awards for a single victim involving a private business in U.S. history.
Public Justice as a Vehicle for Equality
Crump’s legal strategy routinely combines the courtroom and public advocacy. Known as “Black America’s Attorney General,” as dubbed by Reverend Al Sharpton, Crump uses media pressure and mass mobilization as tools to elevate overlooked injustices, particularly those disproportionately affecting African Americans.
His ongoing work includes representing plaintiffs in a chemical hair relaxer lawsuit linked to uterine cancer, filed on behalf of thousands of Black women. He also co-led a landmark $2.2 billion settlement for Black farmers following a class-action lawsuit against the U.S. government alleging discriminatory practices. These major wins continue to fuel Crump’s unwavering public support and news coverage in 2024.
“Until the day Black and poor people receive equal justice,” Crump stated, “I will keep showing up, because justice does not happen on its own.”
Why the Recognition Matters Today
Released on the eve of Black History Month, NNPA’s timing was deliberate, and the story picked up traction across national news and community discourse. The organization emphasized the importance of documenting Black excellence and leadership in real time for future historical records. According to Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of NNPA, the individuals recognized in the list represent not only personal achievements but also collective hope and resilience embedded in Black cultural progress.
The study highlighted how Crump is “not part of headlines by choice, but by necessity,” reflecting systemic failures that lead to the devastating cases he regularly takes on. His work is emblematic of enduring challenges in America’s racial justice ecosystem, one still rocked with inequities even in 2024.
Crump’s Influence Going Forward
Based on trends in litigation, media interest, and public sentiment, Crump’s influence appears poised to continue. Analysts point to upcoming cases linked to civil rights abuses and corporate negligence, where Crump is expected to lead or co-counsel. His public clout and courtroom record also make him a high-impact figure for 2024’s election cycle, particularly around voter suppression and policing reform debates.
Furthermore, with potential legislative reforms emerging in response to the very cases he litigates, Crump’s involvement could play a key role shaping future policy. Whether the matter involves reparations, environmental justice, or civil rights, his presence remains a constant beacon in the national dialogue on justice and race.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is ben crump trending?
A: Ben Crump was named the most influential Black newsmaker of the 21st century by NNPA Newswire, outranking Barack Obama and other major figures.
Q: What happens next?
A: Crump is expected to continue fighting high-profile civil rights cases heading into 2024, with significant legal developments anticipated before the presidential election.
#BenCrump #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #CivilRightsAttorney #NNPAReport #JusticeForAll
